Mumbai: Shyam Benegal, one of India’s most revered filmmakers, passed away on Monday at the age of 90. The acclaimed director died at around 6:30 pm at Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai after battling a chronic kidney-related disease. His daughter, Pia Benegal, confirmed the news to India Today.
Shyam Benegal is celebrated for his pioneering contributions to Indian cinema, particularly in the realm of parallel cinema. His films, including Ankur, Mandi, Manthan, and Zubeidaa, have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema with their socially relevant themes and strong narratives.
Born on December 14, 1934, in Hyderabad, Shyam Benegal hailed from a Konkani-speaking Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin family. His early interest in filmmaking was sparked by his father, Sridhar B. Benegal, a photographer who gifted him his first camera at the age of 12. Benegal later earned a Master’s degree in Economics from Osmania University, Hyderabad, where he also founded the Hyderabad Film Society, marking the start of his illustrious career in cinema.
Throughout his career, Benegal received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri in 1976 and the Padma Bhushan in 1991. His films not only entertained but also inspired social change and cultural discourse. His body of work includes critically acclaimed films like Manthan, Zubeidaa, and Sardari Begum, which continue to resonate with audiences today.
Recently, Benegal celebrated his 90th birthday on December 14, surrounded by close friends and family. The celebration was attended by prominent personalities from the film industry, including Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Naseeruddin Shah, Divya Dutta, Shabana Azmi, Rajit Kapur, Atul Tiwari, Kunal Kapoor, and others, reflecting the respect and admiration he earned throughout his career.